Army’s contribution to Scotland recognised at Scottish Parliament

Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick MSP (2nd R) is joined by Lieutenant General James I Bashall CBE (left); Corporal Charlie MacLean, Piper from the Royal Highland Fusiliers (R); David Rowlands ,The artist (2nd L) and Veteran Major Tom Conway (Centre) Major Conway is a World War Two veteran who served at El Alamein.? (El Alamein is featured in the painting) to unveil the painting "Service" which has been commissioned by the Army in Scotland. The painting, by military artist David Rowlands, highlights the relationship between the Army and Scottish society over the past 100 years. 'The Presiding Officer is featured in the artwork. She is pictured at the Drumhead Service march past which took place in 2014. 07 October 2015. Pic - Andrew Cowan/Scottish Parliament'Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick MSP (2nd R) is joined by Lieutenant General James I Bashall CBE (left); Corporal Charlie MacLean, Piper from the Royal Highland Fusiliers (R); David Rowlands ,The artist (2nd L) and Veteran Major Tom Conway (Centre) Major

Dawn Renton

Artwork which has been gifted to the Parliament by the Army in Scotland that highlights the relationship between the Army and Scottish society through the years has been unveiled.

It depicts scenes from the outbreak of the First World War in 1914 to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo this year and includes images from the Second World War and more recent tours in Afghanistan.

The painting was unveiled by the Scottish Parliament’s Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Tricia Marwick MSP and Lt Gen James Bashall CBE, Commander Personnel and Support Command.

Funded entirely through donations from the Army family in Scotland, the unveiling of the painting also marks the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Loos. The Battle saw battalions from every Scottish regiment involved, with almost every town and village in Scotland affected by the losses suffered.

Ms Marwick said: “I am honoured to unveil this gift to the people of Scotland. This thought provoking and evocative work illustrates perfectly the many and varied roles the Army has played in Scottish life throughout the years. It also acts as a poignant reminder of the sacrifice that many of our soldiers and their families have made.

“The painting will go on show across Scotland in the coming months and I hope as many people as possible will have the chance to appreciate it before it goes on public display at Holyrood next year.”

Following its display at the Scottish Parliament, the painting, which can be seen by members of the public on the Scottish Parliament’s art tours, will go on display throughout Scotland before returning to the Parliament late next year where it will go on public display.

Lt Gen James Bashall CBE, Commander Personnel and Support Command, said: “This painting recognises the place of the Army in society and the worth of past, current and future generations of serving soldiers, veterans and their families. Presented in conjunction with the Centenary of the First World War Battle of Loos (27 September -18th October 1915) in which some 35,000 Scottish soldiers took part, the painting both commemorates past service and gives expression to the strong institutional relationship which has been established between the Army in Scotland and its Parliament; a relationship which continues to deliver real benefit to veterans and their families.”